Letting agent use hits two-year high as rental rules become more complex – NRLA
The poll, conducted by Pegasus Insight, found that 66% of private rentals in England and Wales are administered by a letting agent in some way.
The proportion of private rented housing managed by a letting agent is the highest it has been for at least two years, according to research from the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA).
The poll, conducted by Pegasus Insight, found that 66% of private rentals in England and Wales are administered by a letting agent in some way.
The NRLA warned that more landlords are turning to letting agents to help navigate the Renters’ Rights Act and new regulation, which is increasing the risk from unqualified and ill-informed agents.
Official data showed just 59% of renters whose properties are fully managed by an agent are satisfied with repairs, compared with 73% among renters whose properties are fully managed by their landlord.
With landlords and tenants relying more on letting agents, the NRLA has called on the Government to speed up plans for minimum education and training standards for agency staff.
Ben Beadle, CEO of the NRLA, said: “Landlords are ultimately responsible for ensuring the properties they rent meet all required standards.
“However, with two thirds of rental properties now entrusted to some degree to the care of an agent, it is vital that they and their tenants can have confidence in the services that these letting agents provide.
“As the rental market becomes more complex, reliance on letting agents is only likely to grow further.”
Beadle added: “Reforms to the agency sector should therefore go hand in hand with the wider changes to the rental market.
“Whilst most agents provide a good service, too many do not.
“Minimum training standards would help ensure those working in the sector understand their responsibilities and can provide a consistently professional service.”
He said: “Pledging yet another consultation next year is simply not good enough.
“Tenants, landlords and reputable letting agents deserve action now.”
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